Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary Process and Procedures The disciplinary procedures of Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc., have been devised to ensure a fair and responsible process for a CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional against whom allegations of Code of Ethics violations and/or non-compliance are brought.

Request for Investigation - Upon receipt of a written complaint, the Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc., reviews the allegations to determine if further investigation is warranted.

Investigation - If the Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc., determines to proceed with an investigation a CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional is given written notice of the investigation, which contains the general nature of the allegations. The CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional is given 30 days within which to file a written response. If no response is received within the allotted 30 days a formal complaint is issued and the case is presented to a hearing panel.

Probable Cause Determination - the Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc., determines if there is probable cause to believe grounds for discipline exist. If so, staff will issue a formal complaint against the CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional and notice of hearing. The complaint contains the specific allegations of misconduct and the potential Code of Ethics violations. The CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional has 20 days from the date of receipt of the complaint to file a written answer. If no answer is received, the allegations in the complaint deemed admitted and the CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional's right to use the ChFEBC℠ designation is administratively revoked.

Hearing Panel - When a formal complaint is filed, a hearing takes place before a panel of a minimum of two individuals. At least one member of every hearing panel is a member of the Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc. The respondent is entitled to appear in person or telephonically, to be represented by counsel at the hearing, to cross-examine witnesses and to present evidence on his or her behalf.

Disciplinary and Ethics Commission - The hearing panel submits is findings for review to the full Disciplinary and Ethics Commission which, after considering all the facts and recommendations, renders a final decision.

Appeals Committee - If a CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional is aggrieved by the decision of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission, a CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional has the right to petition the decision to the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee is composed of up to three members of the Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc.

Forms of Discipline

If grounds for discipline have been established, the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission may impose any of the forms of discipline below. All disciplinary actions, except private written censure, may be publicly disseminated.

A private written censure

A public letter of admonition

Suspension of the right to use the ChFEBC℠ designation not to exceed 5 years

Permanent revocation of the right to use the ChFEBC℠ marks

Grounds for Discipline

Misconduct by a CHARTERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT? professional, including the following acts or omissions, constitutes grounds for discipline, whether or not the misconduct occurred in the course of a client relationship:

any act or omission which violates the provisions of ChFEBC's? Code of Ethics

any act or omission which fails to comply with the Federal Seminars stated policy

any act or omission which violates the criminal laws of any state or of the U.S.

any act which is the proper basis for suspension of a professional license